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SJO

Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) Airport Guide

San Jose, Costa Rica · MROC

Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO/MROC) is an airport serving San Jose, Costa Rica, in North America.

This page covers the practical essentials for SJO — getting to and from the airport, lounges and WiFi, transit and visa considerations, hotels nearby, and what to do if you have a layover here.

Lounges

Lounge availability at Juan Santamaria International Airport varies by terminal. Independent lounges (often accessible via Priority Pass or pay-in) and airline lounges are common at airports of this size — check your terminal on arrival.

WiFi

Free WiFi is offered at most major airports. Look for the official SJO network on arrival; coverage and time limits can vary by terminal.

Airlines

A range of domestic and international carriers serve Juan Santamaria International Airport. Check your airline for its terminal and check-in details, as assignments can change.

Getting to & from SJO

Taxi & rideshare: Metered taxis and ride-hailing serve Juan Santamaria International Airport and reach central San Jose directly.
Public transport: Many airports offer bus or rail links into San Jose; check the official airport site for current routes and fares.

Transit & visa requirements

  • Whether you need a transit visa for SJO depends on your nationality, your routing, and whether you must clear immigration to change flights.
  • Always verify current Costa Rica transit and entry requirements with official government sources before you travel.

Check visa requirements by country →

Hotels near SJO

Need a room near the airport for an early departure or a long layover?

Things to do during a layover

Got time between flights? See our dedicated SJO layover guide. In short:

Short layover (under 3 hours)

Stay airside at Juan Santamaria International Airport. Clear security to your connection early, then find a lounge or quiet seating area near your departure gate.

Medium layover (3–6 hours)

Enough time to relax in a lounge, eat a proper meal and explore the terminal’s shops and amenities without rushing your connection.

Long layover (6+ hours) — consider visiting San Jose

With a long layover you may have time to leave the airport and see San Jose, provided your nationality and routing allow you to clear immigration. Confirm transit visa rules first, and leave a generous buffer to return.

SJO — Frequently Asked Questions

Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) serves San Jose, Costa Rica.

Related airports

More airports in Costa Rica

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